VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is into the list of 63 countries that can come to Thailand without quarantine as of November 1, 2021. This opens opportunities for the restoration of Indonesian tourists’ visits to Thailand. This policy also encourages increased bilateral cooperation in other fields, such as trade. This statement was conveyed by Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman when he met the Governor of Phuket, the Governor of Krabi and the Deputy Governor of Surat Thani in a series of working visits from 1 to 4 November 2021.

During the meeting, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman also appreciated the implementation of the Phuket Sandbox, 7+7 extension and Samui Plus programs in reviving the tourism sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The three programs are seen as alternatives to revive the tourism sector. Tourism business activities in Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani are seen starting to revive by these programs.

Regarding efforts to revive the tourism sector in Indonesia amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman also shared information about the reopening of the Bali Island and the Riau Island for foreign tourists from 19 countries since October 14, 2021. It’s different from the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs; the program to reopen Bali Island and Riau Island still requires a quarantine of foreign tourists entering Bali. Regarding this matter, the readiness of the two parties to carry out various cooperation initiatives for the promotion of the tourism sector has been discussed, including promotion cooperation and encouraging connectivity between Phuket and Bali.

On this occasion, Ambassador Rachmat also invited business actors in Thailand to be able to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) which provides various superior products, goods and services from Indonesia online. The activities can also be a platform to expand networks with Indonesian business actors. The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok is also ready to facilitate increased trade economic cooperation through direct relations between the two countries’ private sectors.